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Craig council approves non‑binding MOU with Northwest Colorado Innovation Center to advance industrial‑park grant work
Summary
The council voted Jan. 13 to approve a non‑binding memorandum of understanding with the Northwest Colorado Innovation Center (NCIC) that lets NCIC pursue federal EDA grant funding and commits the city to later negotiate a lease or sale of roughly 0.75–1.5 acres at the Craig Industrial Park when funding is secured.
Craig’s City Council voted Jan. 13 to approve a non‑binding memorandum of understanding with the Northwest Colorado Innovation Center that will let the nonprofit raise a 20% local match and pursue U.S. Economic Development Administration grant funds for an innovation center at the Craig Industrial Park.
City Attorney Heather Cannon presented the MOU and said the agreement does not require the city to immediately sell or lease land; rather it commits the city to negotiate either a long‑term lease or a potential sale of about three‑quarters of an acre up to 1.5 acres once NCIC secures its funding. Christine Rambo, representing NCIC, told the council the MOU is necessary to move forward with EDA grant work and local fundraising. “This allows us to move forward with our EDA grant. We will be fundraising the local match, the 20%, that then allows us to access federal funding for the establishment of the innovation center,” she said.
Mayor Nichols and multiple council members voiced support for the regional benefits the innovation center could bring, including workforce development and business incubation. Council member Looper recused himself from discussion earlier in the item and was noted as having a conflict due to his NCIC board role; he left the meeting for that portion and later reentered before other business proceeded.
Council members emphasized the MOU is non‑binding and that the council will have the opportunity to decide later whether to lease or sell the identified parcel once NCIC finalizes funding. Heather Cannon said the city may provide supporting materials such as previously completed engineering reports to assist NCIC’s application but would not be committing staff to perform grant writing.
The motion to remove the item from the table and approve the MOU passed without an amendment. Council did not record a roll‑call breakdown of the vote in the discussion but stated the motion was approved.
